INDIANAPOLIS — May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. WRTV is sharing stories throughout the month highlighting the contributions from people in the AAPI community.
On the south side of Indianapolis, the Chin community is growing as refugees flee their home country of Burma searching for a better life.
WRTV spoke with Peter Thawnghmung, the president of a non-profit called Chin Community of Indiana.
"I've been here since 1980, a long time, I basically grew up here," Thawnghmung said. "There are nearly 30,000 Chin people who have moved from Burma through Malaysia, most of them as refugees, over the past 15 years that have settled on the south side of Indianapolis."
Thawnghmung says community is very important and describes Indianapolis's Chin community as a tight-knit group. In his position, he's focused on serving people and helping them learn and grow.
"We came to this country to work, work hard and live American dream," Thawnghmung said.
When he's not serving his community, Thawnghmung stays busy as the CEO of Yo Health, Inc. The company operates Yoshi restaurants, Sun and Moon Yogurt stores and Joyce's Bakery and Café.
One of the most recent Yoshi locations to open is located in downtown Indianapolis on the corner of Illinois and New York Streets.
A Yoshi is also located on the campus of Ohio State University and the company is working to open a bakery and Yoshi store in Greenwood.
"This investment in Yo Health gives an opportunity to build wealth," Thawnghmung said. "So this is why we are so excited to be taking this company public and see what happens, I think it's gonna do well."
According to Yo Health's website, the company currently operates 18 locations across the country with a goal to expand to over 100 during 2022.
-
'Never say never': Experts weigh in on Bears' potential Indiana move
Sports experts say the Bears are playing a leverage game, but Indiana's aggressive courtship could make a relocation a reality.
Westfield leaders ushering in growth with Park Street reimagining
Westfield city leaders have unveiled plans to transform a key commercial downtown corridor on Park Street.
Third grader inspired by MLK wants to 'make a change to the world'
A third-grade student at Vision Academy at Riverside says learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has inspired her to think about how she can change the world when she grows up.
Funeral services announced for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott
Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call Monday night. He is being remembered by his community as a hometown hero.
